Earn Airline Miles for Airport Transfers
Of all aspects of travel, getting to and from the airport is perhaps the least discussed. Depending on the airport, the options are numerous: subways, trains, buses, taxis, vans, car services, even helicopters.
In the great majority of cases, earning frequent flyer miles for airport transfers isn't an option, unless you charge the ride to a rewards credit card.
One exception to that rule is GroundLink limo services. According to the company's website, they offer airport transfers in "every U.S. city and 110 countries." And they award miles in the programs of American, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Hawaiian Airlines, and Icelandair. You'll earn 1,000 miles the first time you book a GroundLink ride, and one mile per $1 spent on subsequent transactions. To earn miles, use promotion code POINTS when reserving your car.
Unless you're traveling on business and can expense your transfers, a limo (typically a Lincoln Town Car) may seem like a splurge. But in many cases, it's only slightly more expensive than a regular taxi.
In New York, for example, GroundLink prices range from $49 to $119, depending on type of car, for transfers between JFK and Midtown Manhattan For context, the flat rate for a yellow cab ride from JFK to the city is $45. And the trip into the city via a shared SuperShuttle van will cost $23.
There are several other options for mileage-earning airport transfers, including the ubiquitous SuperShuttle. Look for a roundup in a future article.
Reader Reality Check
How do you get to and from the airport?
This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.
